Lord of the Frozen Winter: Starting with Daily Intelligence Reports

"Don't be nervous," Louis smiled, his gaze sweeping over the notes and jars. "Could you tell me about your research this past month? I'd like to hear it from you personally."

Merian took a deep breath, his fingertips trembling slightly on the notebook page.

He had almost memorized every formula, but when it came to describing them verbally in front of his Lord and everyone else, his heart still tightened.

Several alchemy apprentices pushed in a small cart, laden with various reagents and small instruments. Glass bottles glowed faintly, and sealed samples rested in metal boxes.

The apprentices were respectfully, almost fearfully, expectant of the master and reverent towards Louis.

Merian looked at the familiar yet strange array of tools, swallowed, and then said in a low voice, "I—I've begun."

Louis smiled faintly, "Relax, there's no need to be nervous."

So Merian placed three materials and several finished bottles on the table: the spores of Shadow Moss, the residual crystals of the Soul-Devouring Lizard Beast, and Soulvine Dew Crystal Liquid.

"These are the core raw materials. Shadow Moss amplifies the echoes of memory, Soul-Devouring Crystal can disrupt memory spectrums, and Soulvine Dew acts as a stabilizer here, preventing the torn mind from collapsing."

He then picked up a small dark-silver bottle, its liquid flowing slowly, refracting rainbow-colored light trails under the lamp.

"This is one of the finished products, Abyss-Heart Inducing Mist. When dispersed as a mist, it can cause the target to fall into fragmented memory flashbacks and consciousness confusion, leading to disordered language systems and loosened mental defenses."

"If combined with interrogation methods, it can force the subject to reveal true information from their subconscious in a very short time."

He picked up another slender syringe, the barrel sealed with a slightly lustrous liquid.

"This one is the Soul-Devouring Inquiry Needle, an injectable nodal agent. Once injected, it temporarily opens the subject's window of compliance."

"It increases the veracity of verbal and memory responses without causing fatal harm, and is a key part of standardized interrogation procedures."

Louis leaned forward and took another thin document.

An apprentice carefully explained, "Lord, last week we conducted preliminary verification on a group of captured pirates, primarily for interrogation and information extraction.

The results showed that the atomized Inducing Mist caused language confusion and memory fragmentation within ten minutes. After injecting the Soul-Devouring Inquiry Needle into core individuals, the information output rate significantly increased.

No fatal cases occurred, but several cases experienced persistent auditory hallucinations and short-term memory loss afterwards, requiring follow-up treatment."

Louis's gaze scanned the pages, where a table neatly listed the experimental details:

Subjects: Captured pirates, Dosage: Low concentration atomization and one syringe of Soul-Devouring Inquiry Needle.

Interrogation Window: Information output rate increased by approximately 70%, accuracy 85%.

Duration: Varies from 8-20 minutes.

Behavioral Side Effects: Speech fragmentation, disorientation, short-term memory loss.

Follow-up Treatment: Forced psychological repair, and cross-verification of confessions. After reading, Louis pondered for a moment: "If used on enemy generals or rebellion leaders, these methods could directly dismantle the chain of command."

"List it as a formal option for intelligence and interrogation, but be sure to establish strict usage protocols and accountability mechanisms."

Silco had previously attempted similar experiments with similar raw materials, but due to his talent leaning towards the impact-based Magic Bomb, the finished products were crude and prone to backlash, making them impractical.

That Merian had achieved this level in just one month both surprised and delighted Louis.

Louis closed the report: "Immediately archive the pirate experiment samples and data, and establish a special approval team. Any practical application must be authorized by me."

Merian quickly nodded at the words, and the alchemy apprentices also hastily agreed, "Yes."

Next, Merian put on a pair of thin protective gloves, moving cautiously.

He took a bottle of pale green liquid from a cold storage box. Inside, tiny vine fragments, as if soaked in moonlight, floated.

"This is purified Soulvine Dew liquid." He held the bottle up to the light, and the light passing through the bottle cast a faint spot on the table.

Soulvine Dew has extremely strong magic element circulation ability, capable of stimulating the natural reconstruction of battle qi meridians. When combined with Fire Scale Viper scales in a specific ratio,

it can produce Soul Scale Breath Liquid, which can quickly repair battle qi bloodlines and minor injuries. Injected on the battlefield, knights can recover about forty percent of their qi and alleviate muscle tears in a short time."

Then the apprentices pushed another small cart, and Merian gestured for an assistant to take out a darker reagent. The liquid flowed within the tube like a dark current in a deep forest.

"This is a concentrated version of the Spirit Source Reconstruction Agent, with the addition of a catalytic enzyme from the Split-Spine Snow Scorpion's bile based on Soulvine Dew."

"It can significantly accelerate the penetration rate and tissue repair efficiency. It is especially effective for patients suffering from magic burns or severe trauma."

He dripped a drop of Spirit Source Reconstruction Agent onto a simulated skin lesion on a small white mouse.

Blue-green light patterns spread like tiny rivers, and the burnt epidermis slowly closed under the microscope, with initial signs of fiber reorganization appearing within minutes.

The observing apprentices held their breath.

"These reagents have a clear advantage in Red Tide: readily available raw materials and low cost," Merian added in a low voice.

"Soulvines grow abundantly in the Northern Highlands, and although Fire Scale Vipers are dangerous creatures, their scales and bodily fluids can be sustainably collected and processed around Red Tide. In other words, mass production does not depend on southern transport."

Louis reached out and took the bottle: "This will change our rescue capabilities and battlefield endurance. Frontline medical personnel can use it to shorten the recovery time of wounded soldiers, and even maintain knight combat strength in short-term operations."

Merian smiled under the lamp, with a hint of shyness: "I will continue to refine the formula's stability to ensure that long-term storage does not lose its activity."

Louis nodded, affirming, "These can be mass-produced directly. Arrange production lines, establish quality control and tracking systems, prioritizing the frontline and rescue units."

He withdrew his gaze, his eyes filled with unprecedented approval, "Very good. This way, we have both smarter interrogation tools and rear supplies that can maintain combat strength."

Finally, Merian slowly opened the silver-gray sealed box.

Cold air escaped from the gaps, and pale blue vines coiled in the soft light, their sap shimmering like ice crystals.

The temperature in the air seemed to drop sharply, even dimming the light of the lamps.

"Frostleaf Vine," he whispered, his tone almost like a chant. "Its secreted sap can stabilize magic fluctuations, suppressing frenzy and anger. In the North, it's one of the most precious resources. I never imagined Red Tide Territory would cultivate so much of it."

Merian took out a slender-necked bottle, the vine liquid inside glowing with a soft blue-white light under the lamp.

"This is Frostleaf Calming Agent. When atomized, it can create a calming field in a short time, quickly pacifying agitated magical beasts and suppressing the group ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ rage effect."

Merian placed the bottle on a tray, then took out a syringe slightly thicker than a finger, its barrel wrapped with fine silver threads, the liquid shimmering with a crystalline blue luster.

"And this one is an enhanced injectable reagent, Frostheart Control Needle." He paused, then looked up at Louis.

"Used in conjunction with rhythmic talismans and miniature sound field inductors, it can amplify the compliance effect after injection, causing controlled beasts to obey commands and move steadily within a limited time."

He gestured for an assistant to prepare a demonstration.

A containment shield descended, and a young magical beast was secured on a transparent platform, trembling slightly.

Merian operated the syringe, slowly injecting half a tube of reagent into its neck, then affixed a thin metal talisman to its fur.

As the nearby inductor activated, faint ripples spread through the air.

The young beast's breathing gradually calmed, the fear in its eyes receding, replaced by a strange tranquility.

It obediently lowered its body, as if guided by an invisible will.

"When the injection and inductor are used together, beasts enter a controlled training window," Merian's tone remained restrained.

"Aggression is suppressed, and the ability to learn and respond to specific commands is significantly enhanced. The effect lasts for about an hour and does not cause organ burden."

Louis approached to observe, his gaze sweeping over the motionless young beast, his voice low: "This can not only reduce casualties but also allow us to directly incorporate magical beasts into combat.

If controllable taming units are established at the front line, the Red Tide Legion's mobility will greatly increase."

Louis looked at the calmed young beast, a slight smile on his lips: "Well done, Merian. Your achievements far exceed expectations."

Merian was momentarily at a loss for how to respond, only bowing his head in a slightly awkward manner.

Louis suddenly asked, "Could you imagine if this reagent were used on larger magical beasts, like Frost Giants?"

Merian paused, then after a few seconds of silence, cautiously replied, "Theoretically—yes, but no one has ever tried.

The dosage might need to be increased tenfold, and the inducing field would also need to be strengthened, otherwise it would be difficult to cover such a large body. The risk is very high."

Louis chuckled, his smile containing a chilling coldness: "Then let's try it."

Merian's expression changed slightly, and he hesitated, whispering, "But—there aren't any samples similar to Frost Giants here. If there's no actual experiment—"

"There will be some in a while," Louis interrupted him.

Merian was stunned, not yet fully understanding the young Lord's meaning.

Louis then changed the subject: "Besides these, are there any other achievements?"

"For now—no," Merian subconsciously shook his head, then hastily added, "But I have a few ideas.

For example, an Inspiration Detection Badge, made with the psychic factors of Shadow Moss, which can detect lurking magical energy waves. And a Cold Breath Amulet, cold-extracted from Fire Scale Viper venom glands, which can suppress magical energy combustion."

He paused, his voice trembling slightly: "These are all just prototypes. If I could have a few more months, Red Tide's alchemy system would be completely different."

Louis silently surveyed the neatly arranged bottles and glowing jars on the experimental table. In just one month, this alchemist had achieved such results.

He said in a low voice, "Very good, Merian. You have turned waste into wealth."

Louis raised his hand, and a heavy wooden box was brought by a servant from behind him. The lid opened, and the gleam of gold coins shone under the lamp. It was several thousand in weight.

"This is your reward," Louis said calmly. "Your research has already changed the landscape of Red Tide."

Merian's eyes widened, clearly having never seen such a quantity of money.

Having been imprisoned in a laboratory since childhood, he barely understood the meaning of these gold coins, but he still understood that this was a tremendous favor.

He quickly knelt and bowed, "Thank, Lord—thank you!"

Louis reached out and helped him up, his voice still calm: "No need. You just need to continue doing what you're good at." After Louis left, the laboratory returned to quiet.

Merian was still somewhat dazed, seemingly not yet fully recovered.

It wasn't until an assistant gently reminded him that he came back to his senses, letting out a breath.

He glanced at the glittering box of gold, then suddenly said to the alchemy apprentices beside him, "Each of you, grab a handful of gold coins."

A collective gasp immediately echoed through the air.

The apprentices exchanged glances, then expressions of extreme shock appeared on their faces.

Those were real gold and silver, almost worth several years of their salaries.

When they confirmed that Merian was not joking, the young alchemy apprentices' eyes gleamed with fervent light.

They almost pounced on the wooden box with a hint of frenzied excitement, each grabbing a large handful of gold coins, unwilling to let go even when they couldn't hold any more.

Laughter and exclamations intertwined, and the entire laboratory was bathed in a warm and boisterous golden glow.

The apprentices excitedly bowed to Merian, their words filled with respect and gratitude.

Some even had red eyes, repeatedly expressing their thanks.

Merian looked at their genuine joy, and a long-lost sense of satisfaction welled up in his heart.

This feeling of being respected and trusted was something he had never experienced at the Azure Tide Guild.

That evening, he personally carried the box of gold coins back to his residence, a small three-story building near the workshop.

Moonlight streamed in from the window, reflecting off the golden gleam of the box, making him almost afraid to look directly at it.

Merian carefully placed the box in a corner of the room, then sat on the edge of his bed, gazing at the shimmering light.

He didn't actually know the true purpose of these gold coins, but he knew in his heart that they were his own.

The respect, rewards, and warmth here were things the Azure Tide Guild had never given him.

Red Tide City, this desolate land in the North, was many times better than the Federation.

Merian finally felt that he might truly be able to settle down.

===

The morning mist had not yet fully dispersed on the second day.

Merian woke to a knock on the door, and a servant respectfully informed him, "Lord, Lord Louis requests your presence in the Outer District."

He hastily put on his coat and followed the attendant to the carriage.

The wheels rumbled over the stone road, emitting a low grinding sound. The streetscape gradually shifted from neat commercial areas to open military grounds. A cold wind howled, carrying the scent of blood and snow.

When the carriage stopped, he found himself standing in a large open space in the Outer District of Red Tide Territory.

A practice ground enclosed by iron railings. Merian subconsciously clutched his notes, and the moment he looked up, he was completely stunned.

In that white expanse, dozens of Frost Giants were bound by thick chains, the links deeply embedded in their flesh, arranged in a neat row.

Each one was several zhang tall, their eyes flickering with a dull and suppressed light. Occasionally, faint growls emanated from deep within their throats, mixed with the sound of metal friction.

Merian's mind went blank, and Lord Louis's words from last night, "There will be some in a while," echoed in his ears.

He looked at this astonishing scene, never imagining that those words would become reality in just one night.

That row of towering giants made him question reality. What kind of person was Louis, and what kind of power did he possess, to capture dozens of Frost Giants overnight?

The cold wind swept across his cheeks, and his fingers trembled slightly.